Injured Lewis Moody set to be ruled out of France match

England captain
Lewis Moody appears to have been ruled out of Saturday’s Six Nations showdown with France after a recurrence of a knee ligament injury.

Lewis Moody: Out of French Test?

Moody missed the back-to-back wins over Wales and Italy but boss Martin Johnson had pencilled him in for a bench role at Twickenham after proving his fitness as a late replacement for Bath against Northampton last Saturday.

However, the 32-year-old flanker has reportedly suffered a reaction in training and will instead aim to return for the Calcutta Cup match at home to Scotland on March 13.

There was no comment from England last night but Johnson names his team to face France today and is expected to keep faith with the back row of James Haskell , Tom Wood and Nick Easter. Leeds flanker Hendrie Fourie offers cover from the bench.

Meanwhile, Mark Cueto says he has been revitalised by the enthusiasm of Red Rose back-three partners Chris Ashton and Ben Foden .

The emergence of winger Ashton and full-back Foden has helped to inject dynamism into England’s play over the past 12 months.

Ashton’s four-try haul against Italy took his tally to nine in nine Tests.

Wing Cueto, 31, said: ‘It’s the enthusiasm they bring to the game. They are two peas in a pod.

‘They’re jokers and like to be the clowns of the group. But in terms of on the field, their energy is unbelievable and contagious.

‘The energy Ben and Chris bring to the team excites not only me, but everyone else as well.’